Stand ideas for 200 gallon tank help please

[nightmarepl]

So I’m looking to build a stand for my 200 gallon tank my general idea was wood but people telling me a steel frame would be safer

I was thinking of building 1/2 plywood for the floor 72 inches long 32 inches wide

Into the corners I’d 6 x 4x4s 34 inches each bridged everything with 2x4 for stability most likely double layered

Then the top portion would be 1/2 oak board
The outer layer would be paneling with a face and doors most likely

Would this be able to hold this?

 

[magallonbuckinbulls]

I would go with metal stand, leveling feet, with removable panels.

Unless you love wood, or you are on a budget, go with metal.

T-slot railings are nice and easy to build, but pricy. You'll probably spend like 800-1200, depending on design. I like to have an open front, no bracing in the center, so that would require a heavier pc to span across and carry the load.

You want to have as much space as possible for equipment, and easy access.

 

[nightmarepl]

I would go with metal stand, leveling feet, with removable panels.

Unless you love wood, or you are on a budget, go with metal.

T-slot railings are nice and easy to build, but pricy. You'll probably spend like 800-1200, depending on design. I like to have an open front, no bracing in the center, so that would require a heavier pc to span across and carry the load.

You want to have as much space as possible for equipment, and easy access.

Yah kinda on a budget i know the T slotted is nice.
The only real reason i wanted to go wood it’s easier to work with just wondering if it’ll hold

 

[magallonbuckinbulls]

You should go online and check out some of the cinderblock and 2x4 designs. And you can always clad with nice paneling. The important is the structural.

 

[exnisstech]

There are a lot designs online but maybe @RocketEngineer will chime in with an oppinion?

EDIT : @BeanAnimal is very good at load calculations and things of that nature also (along with just about everything else too I think )

 

[nightmarepl]

There are a lot designs online but maybe @RocketEngineer will chime in with an oppinion?

Yah I’m sure a wood stand would work fine i requested a quote for a steel frame and see how it works out on cost then I’ll add some wood to it for more stability

 

[exnisstech]

Yah I’m sure a wood stand would work fine i requested a quote for a steel frame and see how it works out on cost then I’ll add some wood to it for more stability

I priced out a t-slot stand for an 84x30 not too long ago and it was a bit more than $2k. Woods not cheap these days but probably a lot cheaper than t slot or having a metal stand made. I just tagged the two members because they can advise on load strength and demensions needed. 4x6 sound a but much but better safe than sorry suppose. I just see so many wood stands that would support a house and takes a crew just to move them they are so heavy.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

For a Tank that size, I’d go with a Welded Steel Stand that’s been Welded Air Tight. Or 80/20 Aluminum T Slot. For peace of mind, I wouldn’t trust a DIY Wood Stand.

 

[Stevorino]

I ordered my 280g from Planet Aquarium and bought the associated stand to go with it, which is wood and feels plenty sufficient. After a quick glance, this one has less support in corners, and more spread around the tank via what looks to be 2x8s with a pair cross beams.

The most impressive part of this stand is how level it is. I think you just have to really be dialed in on that front so you get even weight distribution.

If you have a LFS near you, it may be worth dropping by and looking under their big tanks to get some ideas.

 

[RocketEngineer]

You can build it with wood no problem.

Everything but red and yellow would be 2X4 and greens are optional depending on your skill level.

 

[reefbliss2344]

I used 4x4 for my support posts, 2x4's for my Lateral support and an Azek top. Thr Azek is working out nice being water proof. Wood is perfectly fine. You can park a suburban on this.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

You can build it with wood no problem.

Everything but red and yellow would be 2X4 and greens are optional depending on your skill level.

I would add a couple of cross braces on the bottom to support the sump. the ones here are over kill for this size sump. but hey, had plenty of 2x4 on hand.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I would use anything but 4x4, they tend to twist as they get dryer. The load bearing capabilities of 2x4 is very high.

 

[ShakeyGizzard]

I wouldn’t trust a DIY Wood Stand.

be careful, remember your house roof is held up by 2x4's

 

[fushi]

I have found tnutz.com to be the cheapest cut to order t-slot supplier, the parts for my second t-slot stand come this week. I built a 60” x 24” not to long ago for a bit less than 1k shipped so it may be a good option too. However the leveling caster are cheaper on amazon.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

be careful, remember your house roof is held up by 2x4's

Yes, but everything is designed to move. The Plywood is installed with gaps, Underlayment will easily expand and Contract, those gaps in the Shingles isn’t to make them pretty. The Wood twist and warps, the glass isn’t going to follow, very much.

 

[nightmarepl]

I used 4x4 for my support posts, 2x4's for my Lateral support and an Azek top. Thr Azek is working out nice being water proof. Wood is perfectly fine. You can park a suburban on this.

Pretty much what i had in mind 4x4s for thd posts with 2x4s going across for stability and azek as a topper

 

[nightmarepl]

I’m also building a sump do these measurements look good to y’all?

 

[Lingwendil]

For a Tank that size, I’d go with a Welded Steel Stand that’s been Welded Air Tight. Or 80/20 Aluminum T Slot. For peace of mind, I wouldn’t trust a DIY Wood Stand.

A properly built wood stand will be perfectly safe.

 

[bryce.martin]

People that think wood isnt good enough for a 200 gal tank blow my mind. Wood is strong, like really really strong! This community is strange these days. Im building a fully welded aluminum stand for my 130 but thats just cause I love fab work and aluminum stands just look nice. It complete overkill, you could put the house on it.